Liverpool supporters were frustrated to learn that Alisson Becker will continue to be absent for Saturday’s game against Chelsea, as Giorgi Mamardashvili also works his way back to fitness.
Alisson had been hopeful of returning for last weekend’s clash with Manchester United, but after being deemed not ready, there was an expectation that he would return against Chelsea.
Arne Slot disappointingly confirmed that that would not be the case during his pre-match press conference on Friday, but he did luckily declare that Mamardashvili is set to be back.
Give us your prediction for Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Chelsea…
Liverpool can all but clinch Champions League football with a win. Will they get it?
Though Slot did not say whether or not the Georgian would be cleared to start the game, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday morning that he is likely to replace Freddie Woodman for Liverpool.
Liverpool confident of Mamardashvili return
It should be said that Woodman has done a fine job while stepping in for both Alisson and Mamardashvili in recent weeks.
However, there is a reason he is Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper, and he unfortunately showed that during the defeat at Old Trafford.
Although some supporters were calling for Woodman to get a more permanent spot in between the sticks even if Mamardashvili does return against Chelsea, Romano took to X to report that the number two is expected to come back in after all.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer only sees one winner in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Chelsea
“Liverpool are confident for Giorgi Mamardashvili to recover in time and start against Chelsea,” he posted.
Mamardashvili actually made his Premier League debut for the Reds during October’s defeat against Stamford Bridge, and while he has not been universally popular during his first season at Anfield, it will be a boost to have him back.
It remains to be seen whether Alisson will indeed make it back before the end of the season, but as rumours continue to swirl over the Brazilian’s Liverpool future, supporters may have to get used to seeing Mamardashvili on a more regular basis, starting with Saturday.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
